Introduction

Today, I want to talk about why we need revival as individuals and as a church. Revival is like a breath of fresh air that brings new life to our faith. It restores our passion for God, fills us with joy, and renews our commitment to serving Him. There are four main reasons why we need revival: our focus has been distracted, our hearts have become discouraged, our joy has diminished, and our work has been disrupted.

Distraction

Life is full of distractions that divert our attention from what truly matters. We get caught up in worldly pursuits and lose sight of our priorities. We need to turn away from worthless things and refocus on God's ways (Psalm 119:37). Just like the swan in the fable, we must resist the temptation to chase after snails (earthly pleasures) and fix our gaze on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Discouragement

Sometimes, the journey of faith becomes difficult, and we feel discouraged. We may face challenges, doubts, or disappointments that weigh us down. However, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us even in the midst of trouble (Psalm 138:7). We must not let discouragement hinder us from running the race set before us (Numbers 21:4). Instead, we should look to Jesus, who can renew our strength (Isaiah 40:31).

Diminished Joy

Do you remember the joy you felt when you first became a Christian? Over time, that joy can fade as distractions and disappointments take their toll. We need to ask God to restore the joy of our salvation (Psalm 51:12). True joy is found in knowing and living for Christ alone, not in worldly pursuits (Galatians 5:22-23).

Disrupted Work

As a church and as individuals, our work for God can be disrupted by distractions, discouragement, and a lack of joy. We must remember that our work is not separate from our relationship with God. Like Ezra, we need revival to repair and rebuild the house of God (Ezra 9:9). Our commitment to serving Him should be unwavering, even when faced with obstacles (Habakkuk 3:2).

Conclusion

In conclusion, we need revival because our focus has been distracted, our hearts have become discouraged, our joy has diminished, and our work has been disrupted. To experience revival, we must pray, be honest before God, accept His forgiveness, renew our minds through His Word, and commit to serving Him with gladness. Let us remain sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and continually seek revival in our lives.

Remember, revival is like falling in love with Jesus all over again. May we always strive to keep our hearts aflame for Him.

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